Other names: Lavandula Angustifolia, Lavande, Spike Lavender, Spanish Lavender, Alhucema
Ornamental shrub with violet or blue flowers and unmistakable scent, Lavender is indigenous to the alpine region of the Mediterranean and widely cultivated for culinary use and essential oil extraction. Used as a flavor agent in foods and beverages, Lavender is also a fragrance component in cosmetics, perfumes and potpourris. Lavender is a valuable insect repellent , protecting from fleas, moths and mosquitoes.
Lavender essential oil has sedating effects, being extensively used in aromatherapy for restlessness, insomnia, anxiety and depression and significantly improving mental well being.
Internal use of Lavender flowers is approved by experts in the treatment of nausea, vomiting, bowel discomfort, meteorism (abdominal swelling from gas in the intestinal cavity), upset stomach and loss of appetite. Lavender infusion treats respiratory conditions, laryngitis, convulsive cough and increases sweating and urine elimination.
Externally , Lavender oil can be applied to the skin for acne,wounds, burns and in hair loss conditions. Some evidence suggests that together with other oils such as Rosemary (3 drops), Thyme (3 drops) Cedarwood (2 drops), Grapeseed (20 ml) and Jojoba (3 ml), Lavender oil (3 drops) massaged 2 minutes into the scalp might stimulate hair growth. Applied in the bath water, Lavender can alleviate joint pain and improve circulation.
Known in the folk medicine as “the flower of the fairies”, Lavender is often used as a natural remedy for cuperosis ( skin flushing due to the dilation of blood vessels) , having tonic and antiseptic qualities.
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